Trump Less Hopeful About Iran Deal – WSJ
The Wall Street Journal, citing some U.S. officials, said President Trump has become less hopeful Iran will agree to a deal and is expected to decide on strike orders Tuesday evening, though that could change based on overnight talks.
“Only President Trump knows what he will do, and the entire world will find out tomorrow night if bridges and electric plants are annihilated,” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly.
Hopes for a deal dimmed Monday after Iran rejected a U.S. ceasefire proposal as too demanding, including on its nuclear program. Trump later said Tehran’s response was not enough.
U.S. officials say Trump wants to end the war but knows public support for further military action is limited. He said Monday he would prefer to keep Iran’s oil but recognizes opposition to a prolonged deployment.
Republicans have also warned that rising gas prices from a prolonged conflict could hurt their chances in November’s midterms.
U.S. officials say Iran risks a severe new wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure, further weakening its leadership and economy.
Trump said the ultimatum could end or prolong the war. “It depends what they do. This is a critical period,” he said, adding Iran could lose all its bridges by early Wednesday if no deal is reached.
